Northern butchers and food-to-go retail chain Crawshaws has entered administration, with 35 of its 54 stores closed down. 

Administrator Hunter Kelly said: “It was not possible to restructure the business by reducing the number of high street stores and expanding its factory shop format and in-store butchery offering.”

The butchery concession in Blakemore Retail Spar stores began at three trial sites in October. The concessions, remaining stores and distribution centre will operate while a buyer for the company is sought.

Blakemore Retail confirmed it was “not affected by the developments”. 

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